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Roger has to pass on his US Open crown

15.09.2009 | Tennis

Roger was not able to extend his collection of Grand Slam titles to 16 today. He was defeated by Juan Martin del Potro in the final of the U.S. Open 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-7(5), 2-6.

In warm but slightly windy conditions, Roger started perfectly. At 5-4 and 30-0 in the second set, he was just two points away from a two sets to love lead. But the Argentinian suddenly stepped it up and after getting back to 30-30, he ripped a brilliant forehand pass down the line to set up a break point. The ball was initially called wide but always looked good with the naked eye and Hawk-Eye agreed as Del Potro won the challenge. Roger did not agree at all as he had seen the ball land next to the line. Roger started having more and more problems with his service and wasn't able to use this weapon in critical moments, cumulating a total of 11 double faults. Del Potro played a strong match, probably returning better than the players that had challenged Roger in the previous rounds. Del Potro was allowed a challenge after both players were near their seats in the third set, much to Roger's dislike. Our champ came out firing after that, but unfortunately wasn't able to keep it up. After claiming the third set, del Potro won a tiebreaker in the fourth and broke Roger in the second game of the fifth set.

Roger, yes, you had a bad day on Monday. Wish you had not had to play on Sunday and Monday - very tough! Anyway, just wanted to say that you will win many more - no one will ever match your record. You have so much to be thankful for - your tremendous

I was in Arthur Ashe cheering for you to win, you played great in the first 2 sets. It was sad to see you lose but Congratulations on a fantastic year so far! You were so gracious in your defeat, Del Potro is a good kid and if you had to lo

Dear ROGER.
You played a brilliant tennis throughout the tour
nament.Thank you so much for giving us an excellent tennis.
I love watching you play.
You are the best tennis player in the history.
Love,respect and admiration always.
God bless you and

Don´t worry, Roger, you played an exciting match and did an excellent championship!
Of course, I´m sad for you because, from the beginning of the tournament, I expected to see the trophy in your hands. However, I´m happy for Juan Martín and very proud of